He said a deciding factor to open another business was based on the high visibility of the new location on busy Route 9.

The restaurant is committed to providing a wide range of great tasting sandwiches, salads, fresh pastas, pizza and special items, such as risottos that are “From the Stove.” Currently, there are 46 different sandwiches on the menu, “with unique names,” said Piccolo. The Luigi sandwich, for example, is named for a “guy who lives in the neighborhood in back of the restaurant,” he said. The sandwich menu is available all day, according to Piccolo, who said the dinner menu goes on about 4 p.m.

Johnny Fugata seats 48. Take your pick of a booth, table or a stool at the counter. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Piccolo grew up in Bradford, graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, and opened his first business, Piccolo and Rovezzi's, in 1989 on Main Street in Worcester.

Bernier also graduated from Johnson & Wales and spent “14 years working the country club circuit,” including Mount Pleasant Country Club in Boylston and Leicester Country Club in Leicester. He also helped Piccolo open the former Anthony's Restaurant on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester and worked with him in catering and at Piccolo's.

Note: You'll see interesting signage at Johnny Fugata.

“Eat here, diet at home” written on the front door means just what it says, according to Piccolo. “I want customers to be happy and enjoy the food at Johnny Fugata and not worry about calories,” he said.